THE domestic football world was rocked last weekend with the news that Pat Scully, Limerick FC’s First Division winning manager, had parted ways with the club. In a short statement Limerick FC commented,
“Limerick FC and manager Pat Scully have parted company. The board of Limerick FC wishs Pat all the best for the future. Limerick FC will now advertise the vacant position of manager in the near future”
Indeed, Limerick FC have moved quickly to fill the vacancy left by Scully. With Premier Division soccer returning to Limerick after a gap of 20 seasons, the job will be a high profile one for prospective applicants.
“We have advertised the job and we expect to sit down and look at who has applied in the next few days,” commented Limerick FC chairman Pat O’Sullivan this week.
“Everyone who needs to see the advert. has seen it at this stage, so we will work on that list next week and we hope to have had at least the first round of interviews over in the coming weeks”
O’Sullivan has made it clear on several occasions that there will be no “pot of gold” to use for transfers for the new manager. O’Sullivan is adamant that the club’s philosophy of promoting from within their academy is the way to go. “The new manager will be made aware before the interviews begin, that we expect him to promote from within the club and continue the success we have had at underage levels. If he does not want to do that, then the interview process will be over.”
For those interested, the Limerick FC manager for next season must have the following – a UEFA Pro-Licence for coaching/management, a track record of success in the game, a track record of developing young players and an ability to identify new talent.
With a new manager on the horizon, there is also the possibility of a new home ground too for Limerick FC. Pat O’Sullivan confirmed this week to PostSport that Limerick FC were in talks with parties from Thomond Park, Jackman Park and the Market’s Field, with a view to using one of these grounds for next season. With the FAI involved also, the home ground decision is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks also.
“We hope to have a decision on the ground in a couple of weeks. We are trying to do our business in a professional manner to make sure the fans and Limerick FC are looked after properly,” O’Sullivan added.
